Explore the well-known sites of Holland, plus some off the beaten path, for a unique and fascinating river cruise vacation! In Northern Holland, you may opt to see the colorful fields of tulips which make this part of the country so beautiful. Alternatively, in Enkhuizen, a picturesque town with one of the largest marinas in the country, you may prefer to visit the Zuiderzee Museum to experience the local culture and history. Also, there's an opportunity to meet some of the locals before continuing your river cruise through the area of Friesland, best known internationally for its black and white Friesian cattle and black Friesian horses. Here, you'll visit the Royal Planetarium, nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Lelystad, visit the Batavia shipyard and board an exact replica of the Batavia ship itself-originally constructed in 1628 and wrecked on its maiden voyage. Get a true taste of the culture with an introduction to local cheese and Genever! Cruise through the modern harbor of Rotterdam and go on a guided excursion to Gouda, famous for its cheese of the same name, as well as syrup waffles, clay pipes, and the 15th-century City Hall. For garden enthusiasts, you may, instead, choose to see the breathtaking colors of Keukenhof, also known as the "Garden of Europe." With over 70 acres of parkland and lakes, it's one of the world's largest flower gardens.

A river cruise through Holland would not be complete without some time in Holland's popular, modern capital of Amsterdam. The city combines its historical 17th-century buildings, sculptures, and museums with a modern feel. See the most fascinating areas of the city on a canal cruise along the elegant grachten lined with homes dating back to the city's "Golden Age."

You've always forged your own path...with your own distinct perspective of looking at the world. Avalon Waterways presents a river cruise experience with your unique style in mind-offering expansive views and wider perspectives. That's why we've used our 89 years to design a cruise experience that's just a bit different. Here are just some of the features and amenities you'll experience on board our Avalon ships.

Panoramic windows throughout the ship

Elegant, contemporary design & decor

Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director

Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship

Avalon FreshSM healthy cuisine options

Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks at lunch & dinner

Avalon Choice® cruising experience

Included sightseeing with headsets by Certified Local Guides

Complimentary Nordic walking sticks

Complimentary bicycles available for time on shore

Local FavoritesSM - onboard cultural & artisan experiences

Sky Deck shade system & premium lounge chairs

Well-stocked library with books, cards, and games

Comfort Collection BedsSM

Egyptian super-combed cotton linens

Bathrobes & slippers

Premium L'Occitane bath products & hairdryer

Large bathroom featuring shower with glass door

Flatscreen satellite TV with free movie channels

Individual climate control

Complimentary bottled water daily

Club Lounge with 24-hour, self-serve beverage station

Premium coffees, cappuccinos, lattes, hot chocolate & teas

Cookies & fresh fruit available throughout the day

And, much more

Highlights & Sightseeing

Day 1 Amsterdam-Transfer to Haarlem (Embarkation): welcome reception

Day 2 Hoorn-Enkhuizen: choice of visit either to the famous tulip fields or guided visit to the Zuiderzee Museum in Enkhuizen

Day 3 Enkhuizen-Sneek, Friesland: choice of guided walk of Enkhuizen or "Experience the Dutch" outing; Friesland excursion, visit the planetarium

Alternative light lunch or (weather permitting) grill fare at the Sky Bistro on the Sky Deck

Daily four-course à la carte dinner in the main dining room

Alternative dinner of petite portions or regional specialties with wines, in the Panorama Bistro

Daily Afternoon Tea

Daily Night Fare

Complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast; wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner are included daily on board your vessel

Notes

In the event of water level problems or any problems of a technical nature, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or to alter the program.

Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change is necessary, a substitute will be offered.

Day-By-Day Itinerary

Day 1Arrive in Amsterdam, Holland. Transfer to Haarlem (Embarkation)

Welcome to Holland! This afternoon, drive to Haarlem, where your river cruise vessel is docked. Before dinner, meet your crew at an evening welcome reception as your ship sets sail. (Dinner)

NOTE:Flights into Amsterdam must arrive by 2 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.

Day 2Hoorn-Enkhuizen

Enjoy a free morning to explore Hoorn at your own pace. Rejoin your ship for lunch and sail to Enkhuizen, situated at the most easterly point of North Holland. Enkhuizen is a quintessential fishing town with cobblestone streets, a quaint town center, and one of the largest marinas in the Netherlands. It owes its prosperity to the Zuider Zee (now known as the IJsselmeer) during the "Golden Age." This afternoon, visit the ZUIDERZEE MUSEUM, dedicated to the culture and history of this area. The museum focuses on the past and present of the IJsselmeer, and features living history, heritage, and crafts combining works from the past with works from the present. TULIP FIELDS abound in this part of the country, so alternatively you may prefer to join an excursion which takes you along the growing areas that look from afar like carpets of color. Take pictures and learn more about these flowers and how they were introduced into Holland from the Ottoman Empire (Turkey) in the 17th century. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3Enkhuizen-Sneek, Friesland

This morning you have a choice between an included GUIDED WALK of Enkhuizen or you may wish to join a "DUTCH EXPERIENCE" to meet some locals. Then, cruise across the IJsselmeer to southwest Friesland, a province rich in history and legends. As you sail, enjoy the scenic rural landscape along the river. Dock in Lemmer, from where our Friesland excursion departs. Primarily an agricultural region with a long history, Friesland is best known internationally for its famous black-and-white Friesian cattle and black Friesian horses. Visit the 18th-century ROYAL EISE EISINGA PLANETARIUM, which has been nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rejoin your ship in Sneek, where you dock overnight. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4Lelystad-Kampen

Today, enjoy a peaceful morning of cruising through this delightful area of Friesland. Spring is in the air, and the lush green landscape is coming alive. After docking in Lelystad, visit the BATAVIA SHIPYARD, where ships that were important to the Netherlands' maritime industry during the "Golden Age" are faithfully reconstructed by hand. Then, board the BATAVIA itself. Originally built in 1628 to sail to and from the East Indies, the Batavia wrecked on its maiden voyage on June 4, 1629 off the coast of Western Australia. It took 10 years-from 1985 to 1995-for a crew to reconstruct the ship using traditional construction materials. Back on board, we'll introduce you to LOCAL CHEESE and GENEVER, traditionally drunk neat from a shot glass, as you sail to Kampen, where you dock overnight. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5Gelderse IJssel-Arnhem

Another relaxing morning on board as you sail along the IJssel River, also known as the Gelderse IJssel, which is a branch of the Rhine River. Learn more about Holland at an ONBOARD LECTURE and taste a sweet LOCAL SPECIALTY. After lunch, visit the AIRBORNE MUSEUM HARTENSTEIN, dedicated to the Battle of Arnhem, one of the major tragedies of WWII. Alternatively, you may prefer to visit the KRÖLLER-MÜLLER MUSEUM. Later, rejoin your ship in Arnhem. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6Rotterdam

This morning, sail through the HARBOR OF ROTTERDAM, said to be the world's busiest port. Leveled by German bombs in WWII, Rotterdam now has a modern, high-tech look. After an early lunch you may opt to join a guided excursion to GOUDA, famous for its gouda cheese, syrup waffles, clay pipes, and elaborate city hall. It is a typical Dutch city with many old buildings and pretty canals. Alternatively, you may wish to visit the gardens of KEUKENHOF near Lisse, which encompass over 70 acres of parkland with lakes, sculpture gardens, greenhouses, and a windmill to explore. Every year, 7 million flower bulbs are planted, and you have the opportunity to see the spectacular display of colors not only from the tulips, but also from hyacinths, daffodils, and more. If you're a garden enthusiast, you may opt for an extended visit to Keukenhof, with lunch on your own in the gardens. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7Amsterdam

After breakfast, arrive in Amsterdam, where GUIDED SIGHTSEEING is provided by CANAL BOAT. Cruise through the elegant grachten, lined with stately homes dating back to Amsterdam's "Golden Age." This afternoon is free or you may choose from a selection of optional excursions to make the most of your last day in Holland. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 8Amsterdam (Disembarkation)

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)

Call (800) 533-5343 for more information or to book today! Mention code 13762760

The following charges are not included in the land/cruise vacation price unless otherwise noted: airfare to and from the start of your vacation; intra-vacation air, unless specified in the itinerary; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities; airport taxes and fees, including the September 11th Security fee up to $11.20 per person, passenger facility charges up to $18 per person, Federal domestic flight segment fees up to $4.10 per segment, and U.S. and international arrival and departure and other government-imposed added by the airline and applicable at time of booking; port taxes; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ship's crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted Avalon menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant or onboard your vessel (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; optional excursions; additional activities and excursions purchased online; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection; and all other items of a personal nature.

Additional airline-imposed fees for seat assignments may apply and are not included in your total package cost. Please refer to carrier websites for seat assignment policies and applicable pricing.

Booking your Vacation with AirOur volume buying power saves you money. We may be able to provide you with flight arrangements from your gateway city. Avalon Waterways offers 2 air options: Flex Air and Instant Purchase Air. Early Airfare Price Guarantee locks in a price that is guaranteed not to increase. Air pricing and schedules are available approximately 330 days prior to last travel date in the itinerary. At that time the best air price will be utilized and a new invoice with the air cost and confirmed schedule will be sent. The identity of the carrier, which may include the carrier's codeshare partner, will be assigned and disclosed at this time. If the guaranteed price is the lowest, the schedule with the lowest fare per contracted classes of service will be booked. Any voluntary change to the confirmed flights negates the guaranteed price and is subject to air pricing at the time of the change.

Guaranteed air-inclusive prices - air is only available to passengers traveling from the United States and only available when booked in conjunction with a land vacation. An additional non-refundable air deposit of $300 per person is required for Flex Air booked in conjunction with any land vacation (i.e. air-inclusive vacation). Air can only be booked by Avalon in conjunction with a vacation package. Instant Purchase Air requires air payment in full at time of booking (i.e. air-inclusive vacation) plus a non-refundable per person service fee of $30 (North/Central America), $50 (Europe/Middle East) or $80 (all other international destinations). Once booked, Instant Purchase Air is non-refundable, and non-changeable. Some vacations may only offer one Air type option. However, once your airfare is confirmed and Avalon has received your full air and land deposit, your air-inclusive vacation price is guaranteed.

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